James (Jim) William Surface, 61, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away on August 7, 2024 after waging a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jim was born April 13, 1963 to parents James & Helen in Wichita, KS. Jim obtained a BS in Business at UTEP, preparing him for a long fulfilling career in the world of pharmaceutical sales.
He excelled in everything he aspired to do, both as an outstanding leader and an exceptional mentor. Throughout his 22 years with TEVA, he spent a considerable amount of time as Area Director of Sales which encompassed most of the United States. His last role as Director of Leadership Development and Sales Force Capabilities, he considered a real honor. It afforded him the opportunity to share his gifts with others in a meaningful way. The lasting impact he made on those he encountered, both personally and professionally, will forever be cherished.

He always had the right thing to say when needed most.
While he excelled in his career, it was his family that meant the most to him. He wanted nothing more than to be an integral part of his children's lives. There is nothing he wouldn't do for them, instilling life lessons and appreciation for the important things in life. His children adored him and recognize the importance of those qualities, thus committing to living out his loving legacy.

In 2017, Jim and Deanna married in an intimate ceremony in Colorado. Together they loved to travel, making memories and enjoying their time with each other. His favorite place was Patmos Greece; the cave where John was given the word for the book of Revelations.

Jim was preceded in death by Raymond Surface, his mother Helen (Cornett) Newman, his stepfather Bud Newman, and his son-in-law Tyler Whitehead

He is survived by his wife Deanna Alberty of Broken Arrow, OK; children: Amber Wilson and husband Josh (grandchild Avery) of Ada, OK, Shannon Lothridge and husband Jeremy (grandchildren Brecken, Nash, Noble, Major, and bonus grandchildren Kaidance and Weston) of Atoka, OK, Lauren Surface of Shawnee, KS Matthew Surface of Shawnee, KS and Nicole Surface of Shawnee, KS. He also leaves behind sisters Jan Clyne, Jennifer Mathews and Joyce McKenzie and husband Terry.

Services to honor and celebrate the life of Jim will be held Friday August 16, 2024 at 11:00 at Aspen Baptist Church 4400 South Aspen Avenue Broken Arrow, OK 74011. Jim's life touched many hearts; he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oklahoma Project Woman ( https://oklahomaprojectwoman.org/pink-ribbon-raffle/ )
or ZERO Prostate Cancer ( https://support.zerocancer.org/site/TR/FundraiseYourOwnWay/FundraiseYourOwnWay?px=1855130&pg=personal&fr_id=3430 ).